Summary

The website content provides insights into four unexpected items that individuals can sell on eBay for profit: used diaries, broken electronics, LEGO pieces, and used sketchbooks, letters, and postcards.

Abstract

The article "4 Unusual Items You Can Sell on eBay That You Probably Already Own" highlights the potential for finding success in selling unconventional personal items on eBay. It suggests that even items considered to be junk, such as old diaries filled with teenage musings or broken electronic devices, can be valuable to others. The author, Patricia, shares personal experience, noting that 60% of her initial sales came from diaries alone. The article also emphasizes the market for LEGO pieces, noting that even incomplete sets can be sold for a profit, with themed LEGOs, especially Star Wars-related ones, being particularly popular. Additionally, the piece advises on the sale of used sketchbooks and handwritten letters or postcards, which are seen as collectible pieces of history. The author encourages readers to consider eBay as a platform for selling these items due to its low barrier to entry and the potential for significant returns on investment.

Opinions

The author believes that everyone has potential inventory for eBay sales lying around as "junk."
Used diaries are seen as a profitable niche, with the author having sold over 35 diaries in the initial months of reselling.
Broken electronics are considered valuable for parts, with the recommendation to provide detailed descriptions of the items for sale.
LEGO pieces, whether as part of a set or as individual bricks, are highlighted as a consistently sellable item, with themed sets potentially tripling in value over time.
Handwritten letters, postcards, and filled sketchbooks are viewed as desirable collectibles that offer a glimpse into someone's personal history.
The author advocates for eBay as an accessible platform for selling these unique items, suggesting that with research and time, anyone can succeed in this side hustle.

4 Unusual Items You Can Sell on eBay That You Probably Already Own

Your Trash, Someone Else’s Treasure

Everyone wants a side-hustle these days. And everyone has heard of eBay.

Maybe you’re thinking it’s over saturated with sellers today, or that you have nothing to sell.

Well, fear not! Because it is completely possible to find success as a new seller and trust me; EVERYONE has junk to sell. Here are 4 unique item niches to sell on eBay today!

Used Diaries

Have any old diaries laying around? People will actually buy YOUR diaries.

Yes; the ones where you spend five pages analyzing your crushes smile in middle school.

In fact, these diaries don’t even have to be that interesting. Even just snippets of everyday life and/or the fight you had with your mom works.

How it Works

Just find diaries that are completed and in good condition (aka the binding isn’t falling apart) and list them!

Buy it now or auction; both work. But mess around and see what works best for you.

60% of my personal sales the first few months of reselling came from diaries. I sold over 35!

Many people have sold diaries on eBay. Whether it be their own or someone else’s!

The diaries can be from any year.

Great grandma’s diary?

Yes!

Your just finished diary? Yes!

Diaries are still a small niche, but rather profitable!

Look at the sold listings in the filter tab to base prices on.

Most sell for around $40 on eBay, but there is still a significant chunk that sells for more!

I’m sure your old self would be proud that your teen angst is worth money!

Broken electronics

Everyone has an old laptop or phone they don’t use.

Maybe they broke because you threw them across the room in anger because the screen was loading too slow.

Or you accidentally stepped on the laptop you placed on the floor before bed. ( I swear dad, it wasn’t me; I found it like that!)

No matter how it broke; make some money off them!

Buyers want these to use for parts.

So stop hoarding every electronic you’ve ever owned since the ’90s and start selling!

How it Works

Old cords, chargers, tablets, cameras… Anything that has electronic parts has the potential to be sold.

Past sellers’ experiences show that these sell for a pretty decent price. Especially more recent models.

Just make sure you know the exact model and year. And describe each imperfection on your listing in detail.

Be cautious with electronics however! My only two returns were electronic devices.

And the most returned items on eBay are electronics.

But broken electronics do save you a lot of return requests.

Make sure to specify if it is PC or Mac only. ( Common mistake!)

LEGO Pieces

Ah LEGOs — every kid in the USA has owned these.

Still popular, these tiny blocks can bring in extra cash quickly. You don’t even need complete kits. Just gather any LEGOs you have, take a picture and post them!

How it Works

Legos can be found at garage sales, Facebook Marketplace and from friends and family.

A lot of people are willing to part with their kids’ old toys.

Miniatures, as well as bricks can be sold separately.

LEGOs can take a while to sell if they are just bricks (a lot of people sell small bundles of bricks), but if you have an incomplete or complete set, then those will sell much faster.

Buyers love themed LEGOs. Especially characters!

Any star wars themed LEGO sell especially quickly. Make sure to wipe the jam your kids smeared on them off first though!

Another strategy is to buy kits of LEGOs that are popular and save them.

Some sellers will hold on to LEGOs for years before putting them online to sell.

Waiting on sets can mean a lot more money. Sometimes even tripling the original cost. (or more!)

Used Sketchbooks/ Handwritten Letters/ Postcards

Similar to diaries, people will buy your old sketches/ letters and postcards.

For the sketchbook, just make sure the sketchbook is full and has completed sketches.

Buyers tend to like personal memorabilia. I even sold old vintage photos.

Buying a sketchbook is like buying someone’s life experiences and thoughts. Maybe not any good experiences, but people will want to buy them regardless!

Handwritten letters/ postcards are also like a time capsule.

Buyers like to collect the history.

Easy ways to get these is to ask friends and family.

You can make a Facebook post asking if anyone has letters or postcards used, that you can have.

So simple!

Closing thoughts

What are your thoughts on these four items?

Anyone gonna set up a seller page?

eBay is so easy to get started with and so worth it!

The barrier to entry is low and it’s so simple ANYONE can do it!

It just takes research and a little bit of time.

Hopefully these tips help you!

-Patricia

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